As a home designer, you know that great design isn’t the only thing that sets your business apart from the competition. Rather, creating engaging website content is also key to attracting new clients and growing your business! In this blog post, we will discuss 25 of the best practices for creating website content for your design business. You’ll see that with the help of these tips, people will definitely keep coming back for more!
So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the business for a while, these tips will help you take your website content to the next level. Let’s see what they are, shall we?
25 Best Practices for Creating Engaging Website Content for Your Design Business
Tip #1: Consider your target audience and what they’re searching for.
No matter what type of business you run, understanding your target audience is a must. Only then can you think about what they’re looking for when they land on your website, as well as create content that meets those needs.
Since you’re a home designer, your target audience may be (but is certainly not limited to):
- Homeowners looking to remodel and/or sell their home
- Real estate agents seeking assistance with staging their client’s house
- Business owners wanting a commercial space redecorated
- Interior designers/Architects seeking inspiration and ideas
- People in need of professional organizing services
- Events (e.g., weddings, parties, corporate functions, etc.) in need of decorating/designing
- Homeowners looking to remodel their exterior landscape design, etc.
By understanding who your target audience is, you can think of topics that will appeal specifically to them. For example, you may want to create content on the latest trends in home design, tips for staging a home, or how to design a small space. This will ensure that the content you create is relevant to your target audience and resonates with them.
Pro Tip: Not yet a certified home designer? Become one in as little as 3 short months with QC Design School’s self-paced, online certification courses!
Tip #2: Understand your competition.
Chances are, you’re not the only home designer in your area. So, you need to understand what your competitors are up to. We recommend taking a look at their website(s) and the content they create.
Here are some questions to ask yourself while conducting this competitor research:
- What topics do they cover?
- How often are they creating content?
- Are their strategies working and resonating with their target audience?
- What content seems to be most popular?
- Are there any gaps or opportunities where YOU can provide more value or stand out from the pack?
Answering these questions will give you valuable insight into how to create content that is better than what your competitors are putting out… And, ultimately, more engaging for potential customers!
Tip #3: Keep things simple.
This applies not only to the content you create, but the overall design of your business website. Yes, it’s important for your layout and content to both appear professional. However, if your website is too much to look it, it can overload the senses and actually put your readers off.
The reality is, you don’t have to have all the bells and whistles to get people interested! Instead, focus on providing simple yet valuable content.
To make it easier for your visitors to find what they’re looking for, use a straightforward layout with clear navigation. Additionally, be sure to use fonts and colors that are easy on the eyes and won’t distract from the content.
Tip #4: Have a variety of content assets, using a consistent design template.
When it comes to creating website content for your design business, you want to create a variety of assets such as blogs, videos, infographics, and more. Having a diverse range of content will ensure there’s something for everyone who visits your site!
To keep things consistent, use the same design template throughout each asset. This could be anything from the font style to the color palette to the overall layout of your content. By keeping the look of your website content consistent from page to page, you can easily create a strong brand identity that will be memorable to your readers.
Tip #5: Pick the right headers and subheadings.
Headers and subheadings are a great way to break up your content and make it easier for your readers. Not only do they help organize your thoughts; they also allow you to emphasize the most important parts of your website copy.
When choosing headers and subheadings, keep them short, impactful, and relevant to the topic. Additionally, include keywords that are related to the home design industry and your target audience. This will make it easier for Google to crawl and index your content – giving you a better chance of ranking higher in search results!
Tip #6: Know the purpose of EVERYTHING you write.
For everything you create, make sure it’s relevant to your audience and that there is a purpose behind it. Whether you’re writing blog posts, writing web pages, or creating videos – always ask yourself why someone would be interested in reading (or watching) your content.
If the answer is unclear, go back and rework it until you can clearly define the purpose. As the saying goes: “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.”
But by taking the time to make sure your content has a purposeful direction, it will be more engaging and helpful for readers who are looking for answers to their home design-related questions!
Tip #7: Establish a visual hierarchy.
One of the most important things to consider when creating website content for your design business is how it looks. Visual hierarchy refers to the arrangement of elements on a page and how they interact with each other. This includes things like text size, font type, color, and layout.
By establishing a visual hierarchy, you can ensure that your readers will be able to find the most important information quickly and easily. Plus, it will make your content more appealing – which is essential for engaging potential customers!
Tip #8: Develop buyer personas when creating website content for your design business.
Developing buyer personas is a great way to understand your target audience better and create content that resonates with them. By mapping out the characteristics, interests, and needs of your ideal customer, you’ll be able to tailor your website content to their wants and needs. In turn, this makes it more effective in helping you achieve your business goals.
When you take the time to create buyer personas, you’re ensuring that your website content is tailored to the people who matter MOST to your design business!
Related: Make sure to check out these 17 strategies for getting clients as a professional designer!
Tip #9: Use common language via relevant SEO keywords/searches.
When creating website content for your design business, it’s important to use language that resonates with the average reader. This means using keywords and search terms that are relevant to home design – and not just industry jargon!
For example, let’s say you’re an interior decorator. Industry jargon you might want to stay away from could include words like “space planning” and “color palettes”. Instead, you should focus on terms that the average consumer is more likely to search for – such as “living room decorating ideas” or “bedroom design tips”.
By using common language via relevant keywords and searches, you can ensure that your content is easy to comprehend and will be seen by people who are actually interested in it. Not to mention, you’ll be more likely to show up in search engine results for the keywords and phrases you’ve used – which is great for increasing your visibility online.
Other SEO Tips for Creating Website Content
In addition to the tips mentioned above, here are a few more SEO-friendly strategies you can use when creating website content for your design business:
- Utilize internal linking – This helps Google crawl and index all of your webpages.
- Optimize page loading speed – This helps to improve user experience and reduce bounce rate.
- Include structured data markup – This makes it easier for search engines to understand the content of your webpages.
- Use alt text for images – This helps to improve accessibility and provide additional context for search engines.
If you’re interested in learning more about SEO and best SEO practices, we recommend this Beginner’s Guide by Moz!
Tip #10: Make the reading level universal.
When creating website content for your design business, you need to make sure that everyone will be able to read and understand what you’re saying. This means avoiding overly technical terminology and keeping things as simple and easy-to-understand as possible.
Generally, a good rule of thumb is to write all of your website content at an 8th or 9th grade reading level. This ensures that everyone who visits your website will be able to comprehend the material – regardless of their age, education level, cultural background, etc.
By making sure the reading level is universal, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience – which is great for increasing engagement on your website!
Tip #11: Make sure your design business website is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly.
No matter how great your website content may be, it won’t make much of a difference if people can’t find what they’re looking for! That’s why it’s important to make sure your website is easy to navigate AND mobile-friendly.
You should create a clear structure and hierarchy, with helpful navigation labels that help people find the right page quickly. Additionally, you may also want to include a search bar so visitors can easily find what they’re looking for.
Furthermore, it’s essential to make sure your website is mobile-friendly. This means that all of the webpages and content should be easy to view and navigate on any device – from smartphones to tablets, and everything in between.
By making sure your design business website is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly, you’ll ensure that visitors have a great user experience – and that they’ll stick around to learn more about your services!
Tip #12: Create original and educational content.
In order to stand out from the competition and establish yourself as an expert in the design industry, you need to create content that is both original and educational. This means:
- Using your own photos or illustrations;
- Writing engaging blog posts about relevant topics;
- Sharing positive testimonials from real-life clients of yours;
- Creating step-by-step tutorials;
- And anything else that can help position you as a knowledgeable resource.
Original, educational content is an excellent way to provide value for your visitors and give them a reason to come back for more!
Pro Tip: Want to start a blog for your design website? These 7 tips will help you get the ball rolling!
Tip #13: Ensure that the tone of your content reflects the tone of your design brand.
When creating website content for your design business, the tone of this content should be in line with the tone and message of your overall brand.
For example, let’s say that you’re a modern, cutting-edge design company. In this case, you’ll want to use a more casual, informal tone when creating website content. On the other hand, if you’re a high-end luxury design firm, you’ll probably want to use a more sophisticated and professional tone.
Regardless of your tone of voice, however, it’s equally as important to make the reader feel as though you’re speaking directly to them. This type of personalization can help to create a more engaging experience and encourage readers to connect with your brand.
By ensuring that the tone of your website content mirrors the tone of your design business, you’ll be able to make a deeper connection with potential customers – and stand out from the competition!
Tip #14: Remember to ask yourself the 5 W’s (and H).
No matter what type of website content you’re writing, it’s always important to remember the 5 W’s (and H):
- Who?
- What?
- When?
- Where?
- Why?
- How?
These are all key questions that should be answered in your website content. Asking yourself these questions when you’re creating content helps to ensure that you’re covering all the necessary details and giving your readers the information they need.
An Example of What This Might Look Like
Imagine that you are a professional home stager. You want to write a blog article about the importance of staging a home before it goes on the market. As you write this article, be sure to answer each of these questions – and provide readers with useful information that they can use.
In this example, these might be the answers to your questions:
- Who – Homeowners who are getting ready to put their home on the market;
- What – The importance of staging a home;
- When – Before listing it for sale;
- Where – Anywhere;
- Why – To make the home look its best and attract more potential buyers;
- How – By using various staging techniques, such as de-cluttering and rearranging furniture.
By making sure you ask (and answer) the five W’s and one H, you’ll be able to create content that is informative, engaging, and helpful for your website visitors. In turn, you’ll be able to build trust and increase engagement on your design business website!
Tip #15: Grab the reader’s attention from the very first line.
When it comes to website content, first impressions are everything. This means that the very first line of your content needs to hook your reader – and encourage them to keep reading.
One great way to do this is by posing a question that you then answer throughout the rest of the article. This helps to create curiosity and prompt readers to find out more about your topic.
You can also use catchy phrases or thought-provoking facts at the beginning of your content – anything that will grab your reader’s attention right away.
By making sure the very first line of your website content is engaging and interesting, you’ll be able to better capture your readers’ attention – and encourage them to continue reading until the end!
Tip #16: Establish your credibility as a design expert.
When creating website content for your design business, it’s important to establish yourself as an industry expert. In turn, this helps to demonstrate that YOU have the knowledge and experience necessary to provide top-notch service – and encourages trust in your readers.
You can achieve this by including information such as case studies, success stories, and professional accolades throughout your website content. This will help to prove that you know what you’re talking about – and build credibility with your readers.
Furthermore, you can also use industry-specific terminology, as well as links to other experts in the design field, to further establish your expertise. By doing so, you’ll be able to show potential customers why they should choose YOU when it comes to their design needs.
By leveraging your credentials and experience, you’ll be able to create content that establishes your company as a reliable source of information – and encourages customers to trust in your services!
Tip #17: Provide something of value to the reader.
When creating any type of business content, it’s important to make sure that you’re actually providing something of value to your readers. This could mean providing helpful tips and advice, or even discounts and product launches.
No matter what type of content you’re creating, the key is to make sure that there is something meaningful in it for the reader. For instance, maybe you’re offering helpful information that they can use in their day-to-day lives. Alternately, perhaps you’re advertising a special deal or promotion for your business services.
When you provide something of value to the reader, you’re more likely to encourage them to take action – and convert into paying customers. So, make sure that your website content provides real value to your readers and you’ll be well on your way to success!
Tip #18: Add lists, images, infographics – anything to help break up your written content.
A big part of creating website content for your design business is breaking up your text with interesting visuals. This could include adding images or photo galleries, as well as infographics and charts that help to better explain your points.
Using lists is also a great way to make your content easier to read and understand – especially if you’re discussing complicated topics. Plus, adding visuals also helps to keep readers engaged and encourages them to continue reading.
So, make sure you’re utilizing lists, images, infographics – anything that will help break up your written content and make it easier for readers to digest. This way, they’ll be more likely to stay on the page longer and take action!
Tip #19: Don’t forget the importance of metadata.
In a nutshell, metadata is data that is added to a webpage in order to help search engines better understand its content… And it’s SUPER useful when it comes to website content for your design business!
Metadata includes things like page titles, descriptions, and keywords. All of these can impact how your website performs in search engine results pages. So, by including relevant metadata on each page of your website, you’ll help search engines classify and rank your pages better.
This, in turn, means more people find your content when they search online!
Tip #20: Link your website content to your social media (and vice versa).
Another tip we encourage you to remember is linking your website content to your social media accounts – and vice versa. This helps increase the visibility of both platforms and also encourages readers to engage with you or take action (such as visiting your website, making a purchase, etc.).
Linking your webpages to social media can help boost traffic, build relationships with potential customers, and even help to increase your overall website ranking. Not to mention, you can use your social media platform(s) to promote your website content, such as new blog articles!
Related: Discover 3 tried-and-true ways to boost your salary as a designer with social media!
Tip #21: Use links properly and effectively.
As you create website content for your design business, make sure that you’re using internal AND external links the right way. Only then can you maximize them to your full potential!
This means hyperlinking the relevant keywords in your copy. This way, that readers can easily click through and access additional information or resources. You should also be consistently linking out to other credible websites (i.e., not competitors!) in order to establish yourself as an authority on the topic.
Plus, when you link out, it encourages other sites to reciprocate and mention your website, too. This can help build trust with readers and also improve your overall website ranking (which boosts your online authority and makes you more likely to show up in the top pages of search results).
Tip #22: Get topical.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “topical content,” it simply refers to content that is relevant to the current news cycle or topics of conversation. This type of website content can be incredibly valuable for your design business, as it allows you to join in on the conversation and demonstrate your expertise in a timely manner.
For example, if there’s a recent technology trend in home design that your audience is currently discussing, you can create blog posts or videos that discuss the topic and provide valuable insight. By doing this, you’ll be able to establish yourself as an authority in the industry. Not to mention, topical content often does well on social media (since it’s timely).
Overall, topical content allows you to stay ahead of the curve with your website content and can help you build a loyal fan base of readers.
Tip #23: Update your website content regularly so nothing’s out-of-date.
Another useful practice to remember is updating your business website content regularly. This way, nothing is out-of-date! And this includes everything from blog posts and videos to product pages, services pages, and more.
Your website content should always be up-to-date with the latest information, trends, and research so that you can remain a trusted and credible source in the eyes of your readers. Plus, when your content is timely and relevant, it’s more likely to rank higher in search engine results and drive more traffic to your website.
To simplify the updating process (and ensure you don’t miss anything), create a checklist to refer back to each month. This will help you keep track of what needs updating and also ensure that your website content is always fresh and valuable.
Tip #24: Always include at least one CTA (Call to Action).
A CTA (a.k.a. Call to Action) is an essential part of any website content and helps to close the deal with readers. This could be anything from:
- Signing up for your newsletter;
- Downloading a free eBook;
- Subscribing to your blog;
- Following you on social media;
- Booking a consultation;
- Or anything else that will encourage readers to take the next step and try out your services.
It’s important to remember, though, that your CTA should always be clear and concise. Provide readers with a simple, direct instruction (i.e., “Subscribe Now”) instead of a lengthy paragraph.
Ultimately, the more CTAs you can include in your website content, the more likely readers are to take action and become customers. So, make sure to incorporate them wherever appropriate!
Tip #25: Be your most authentic self.
Ultimately, website content is all about YOU and your company. This means that it’s important for you to be true to yourself (and your design business) when writing content.
Be honest and authentic in the way that you write. Focus on your experience and opinions within the industry rather than trying to mimic someone else’s voice or style. Use your own words to express yourself and make sure that you’re writing from the heart.
You should also be sure to show off your company’s personality! Showcase the culture of your business and highlight the people who work there – as well as any values or beliefs that set you apart from the rest. This will help to create a unique and inviting experience for your website visitors and make them more likely to trust in your services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finally, let’s wrap things up by taking a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about website content…
Q: Who is the person responsible for creating the original website content?
A: The person responsible for creating the original website content will vary depending on your business’s needs. It could be an individual, such as a copywriter or web designer, or it could be a team of people who are familiar with the company and industry. Alternately, it could even be you – so long as you’re comfortable with the writing process.
Q: How often should you be writing new website content?
A: This depends on your specific business and industry. But as a good rule of thumb, you should aim to publish at least one blog post per week (preferably more). Additionally, look for ways to regularly update and improve existing website pages, such as product descriptions or service pages.
Q: How often should you update your website content?
A: The frequency of updates to your website content will depend on a few factors, including how often you write new blog posts and what types of products or services you offer. Generally speaking, though, it’s wise to update your content at least once every three months. This helps to ensure that your website remains current and relevant for both search engines and visitors alike.
Q: What is the best format for website content?
A: The best format for website content will depend on the type of content you’re creating. Generally speaking, though, it’s best to break up your text with headings, subheadings, and bulleted lists to make it easier for readers to scan. Additionally, don’t be afraid to include visuals such as images or video clips – these can help create a more engaging experience for your website visitors!
Q: What are some questions to ask when creating website content?
A: When creating website content for your design business, it’s important to think about the purpose of your page and what you’d like visitors to take away from it. Ask yourself questions such as:
- What message do I want to communicate?
- Who is my target audience?
- How can this page be useful for them?
- How can I make this content stand out from other similar pages?
By asking yourself these types of questions, you’ll be able to create content that is both meaningful and engaging for your website visitors.
Pro Tip: Have you figured out your brand yet as a professional home designer? If not, this Ultimate Guide has everything you need to know to get started!
Q: When creating a website, what sources will you tap for social media?
A: When creating a website for an interior design business, you will want to tap into various social media platforms. After all, social media is a great way to showcase your portfolio of work, engage with potential customers, and build a larger online presence!
This includes popular ones like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, you can also look into other more niche options such as Houzz or Pinterest, depending on your specific industry.
Q: How can you create a website if you don’t have much content yet?
A: If you don’t have much content yet, don’t worry! You can still create a professional website for your design business.
Start by adding basic pages such as an about page, portfolio, and contact information. From there, consider adding other pages such as a blog or FAQs to provide additional content for your visitors. You can also look into creating a virtual “lookbook” of your work or even writing up some industry-specific tips to give potential customers more information about your services.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a website that looks professional and provides useful resources for your visitors. With a bit of time and effort, you can easily create an effective website even if you don’t have much content yet.
Q: Any tips on how to start creating content for your website?
A: If you’re starting from scratch, the first step is to identify your website’s purpose and audience. Once you have a good idea of who you’re writing for and why, you can begin by creating some basic pages such as an about page, portfolio page, and contact information.
After that, you can then start creating more specific content for your website. Think about including informational pages, blog posts, and helpful resources to give visitors a better understanding of your services and why they should choose you.
Finally, don’t forget to include visuals such as images and videos. These can help make your content more engaging and give visitors a better idea of what you have to offer!
Q: Do you define content or style first when creating your website?
A: When creating your website, it’s important to define BOTH content and style. Content is the information you present on your website while style is the way you present it.
Start by thinking about the purpose of your website and what message you want to communicate. Once you have a good idea of this, you can then start to create content that reflects it. From there, you can then focus on the design aspect such as colors, fonts, and overall layout.
It’s important to remember that both components are equally important when creating a website. Content can grab the attention of visitors, while style can help keep them engaged and encourage them to take action. By focusing on both content and design when first developing your website, you’ll be able to create something that’s as effective as it is successful.
Q: How should you go about creating a website content plan?
A: When creating a website content plan, it’s important to think about both the purpose of your website and the goals you want to achieve. This will help you decide what pages and features to include.
Once you know these, it’s then time to come up with a content plan that will help you reach these goals. Start by deciding which topics you want to cover and how often you’ll be updating your content. Then, create a timeline of when each page or feature should be added.
Finally, make sure you create a strategy for promoting your content. This could involve email marketing, social media campaigns, or even paid advertising. By having a well-thought-out content plan in place from the start, you’ll be able to ensure you’re providing fresh, relevant content on a regular basis. This will help keep your visitors engaged and coming back for more!
Pro Tip: Need help marketing your design business? These 20 business-savvy strategies have you covered!
Q: What is the best practice to manage content of a website?
A: The best practice for content management of a website is to create and implement an effective content strategy. This should include:
- Your overall goal;
- The type of content you plan to create and publish;
- The frequency with which your content will be published;
- And how it will be promoted.
You should also consider developing a content calendar that outlines when each piece of content will be created, published, and promoted. This will help keep you on track and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Lastly, it’s also a good idea to create a content repository of all the materials and assets you’ve created. This will make it easy to find and reuse your content in the future.
Q: What are the 4 steps in creating valuable web content?
A: The four steps in creating valuable web content are:
- Research: Research the topic you plan to write about and identify any keywords related to the topic.
- Planning: Develop an outline of what you plan to write, including any subtopics and supporting information.
- Writing: Write the content in a clear and concise manner and be sure to include any relevant keywords.
- Optimization: Optimize your content for search engines by incorporating keywords into subheadings, meta descriptions, and alt tags.
Q: What are 3 things every website should have?
A: Every website should have these three key elements:
- Contact information – This should include an email address, phone number, and physical address.
- Content – This should provide valuable information that is relevant to the purpose and goals of the website.
- Call-to-Action (CTA) – This should be a clear and concise statement encouraging visitors to take some form of action, such as signing up for a newsletter, downloading an eBook, or booking one of your design services.
Q: What are some content creation examples?
A: Content creation examples include (but aren’t limited to):
- Blog posts
- Articles
- Newsletters
- eBooks
- Social media posts
- Videos
- Podcasts
Each of these content types can be used to promote and engage with your target audience in different ways. For example, blog posts allow you to provide up-to-date information on topics related to your business, while videos and podcasts can be used to capture the attention of potential customers in a more visual way. Similarly, eBooks are perfect for providing information-rich content in an easily digestible format.
The key is to think about the type of content that will best suit your business needs and then create content that is engaging and relevant. With a good content plan in place, you can ensure that your website is providing the best possible user experience.
Q: What are the best practices recommended by web professionals for content layout?
A: The best practices for content layout (as recommended by web professionals) are to keep it simple and consistent. When creating content, be sure to include visual elements like images, videos, and illustrations to break up large blocks of text. Additionally, use formatting such as headings, subheadings, bullet points, and lists to make the content easier to read.
It’s also important to ensure that your website is responsive and mobile-friendly, so that the content is easily accessible for all users, regardless of the device they’re using. Additionally, be sure to include internal links so that visitors can find more information on related topics.
Finally, consider investing in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to ensure that your content is being seen by the right people. SEO can help you optimize your content for the search engines and increase your visibility in the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).
Q: What should be included in a website best practices checklist?
A: Your website best practices checklist should include the following items:
- Check that all website content is up-to-date and accurate;
- Ensure that all website images are properly optimized;
- Check that all external links are valid and working correctly;
- Confirm that the website is secure and compliant with the latest web standards;
- Check that all forms are working properly and collecting the right data;
- Confirm that all content is optimized for search engines;
- Check that the website is responsive and mobile-friendly;
- Ensure that all contact information is correct.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of creating website content for your design business, what are you waiting for? Start creating your own content today and make sure that your website is a success!
Remember, it’s not enough to just have great content – you also need to have a solid strategy in order to ensure that your content is seen and engaged with. With the right plan, you can make sure that your business website stands out and attracts the right customers.
Good luck, designers, and thanks for reading!
